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Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 21:49 GMT by BBC
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The Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon has been charged under a Beijing-backed law critics say has been used to crack down on dissent.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Face Off in High-Stakes Presidential Debate

In a pivotal moment for the 2024 US presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed in their first televised debate, hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. The 90-minute encounter, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, covered a wide array of contentious issues including the economy, immigration, abortion rights, foreign policy, and the state of American democracy. With no audience present and muted microphones to prevent interruptions, the debate unfolded as a tense exchange of barbs, policy contrasts, and personal attacks, drawing millions of viewers and immediate reactions from across the political spectrum.

The debate kicked off with economic concerns, a top priority for many voters amid lingering inflation and job market fluctuations. Harris, representing the Biden administration's record, emphasized efforts to cap insulin prices, expand child tax credits, and invest in manufacturing to bolster the middle class. She accused Trump of favoring tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, labeling his approach as a "sales tax" that would burden everyday Americans. Trump countered by blaming the current administration for economic woes, claiming inflation had skyrocketed under Biden-Harris and touting his own tenure's economic achievements, including what he called the "greatest economy in history" before the COVID-19 pandemic. He repeatedly invoked tariffs on imports, particularly from China, as a solution to revive American jobs, though Harris dismissed this as misguided and potentially inflationary.

Immigration emerged as another flashpoint, with Trump painting a dire picture of border security under Harris's watch. He described an "invasion" of migrants, falsely claiming that millions of criminals were pouring into the country and even alleging that some were "eating pets" in Ohio—a baseless rumor swiftly fact-checked by moderators. Harris, who has been dubbed the "border czar" by critics despite her role focusing on root causes in Central America, defended the administration's policies and blamed Trump for sabotaging a bipartisan border security bill earlier this year. She highlighted her prosecutorial background, vowing to reinstate measures for asylum restrictions and increased border agents.

On reproductive rights, the debate intensified as Harris directly challenged Trump's role in the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade through his judicial appointments. She warned of a national abortion ban under a second Trump term, sharing stories of women denied emergency care and accusing him of enabling "Trump abortion bans" in various states. Trump denied supporting a federal ban, insisting he would leave the issue to states and falsely claiming that some Democratic states allow post-birth abortions—a notion debunked on air. He pivoted to criticize Harris's running mate, Tim Walz, for supporting certain abortion policies, but Harris pressed the point, framing it as a fundamental assault on women's freedoms.

Foreign policy discussions revealed stark divides, particularly on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump boasted of his ability to end conflicts swiftly, suggesting he could negotiate peace in Ukraine "in one day" by dealing directly with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. He avoided committing to Ukraine's victory, instead criticizing the Biden administration for escalating tensions and claiming the invasion wouldn't have happened under his watch. Harris accused Trump of being soft on dictators, citing his past praise for Putin and warning that his isolationist stance would embolden aggressors. On the Israel-Hamas conflict, both candidates expressed support for Israel, but Harris called for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution, while Trump claimed Hamas would not have attacked if he were president, attributing the October 7 assault to perceived weakness in the current leadership.

Personal attacks peppered the debate, with Trump repeatedly calling Harris a "Marxist" and questioning her consistency on issues like fracking, which she now supports despite past opposition. Harris, maintaining a composed demeanor, often smiled or shook her head at Trump's remarks, labeling them as "the same old tired playbook" of lies and grievances. She invoked the January 6 Capitol riot, pressing Trump on his refusal to accept the 2020 election results and warning that his denialism threatens democracy. Trump deflected, insisting the election was rigged and pivoting to unrelated topics like crowd sizes at his rallies.

Post-debate reactions were swift and polarized. Supporters of Harris praised her for landing effective punches and appearing presidential, with some Democrats declaring her the clear winner. A flash poll from CNN showed 63% of viewers believing Harris outperformed Trump, compared to 37% for him. Trump's camp, however, claimed victory, with allies like Senator JD Vance arguing that Harris failed to defend the administration's record. Celebrities and influencers weighed in, with Taylor Swift endorsing Harris on Instagram shortly after the debate, citing her as a "steady-handed, gifted leader." Analysts noted Harris's strategy of baiting Trump into defensive rants, which may have alienated undecided voters, while Trump's bombastic style energized his base but risked appearing unhinged.

The debate's impact on the tightly contested race remains to be seen, with polls showing Harris and Trump neck-and-neck in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia. Harris, who entered the race after President Biden's withdrawal in July, has seen a surge in enthusiasm, particularly among young voters and minorities. Trump, aiming for a non-consecutive second term, continues to rally his supporters with promises to "make America great again." As the November 5 election approaches, both campaigns are ramping up efforts, with Harris focusing on turnout in urban areas and Trump emphasizing rural and working-class voters.

Experts suggest this debate could shift momentum, especially given the absence of a second scheduled face-off unless agreed upon. Fact-checkers from outlets like the BBC and others highlighted numerous inaccuracies, including Trump's exaggerated claims on crime rates, election fraud, and economic figures. Harris, while more restrained, was critiqued for evading direct answers on policy shifts. Overall, the event underscored the deep divisions in American politics, with themes of leadership, truth, and the nation's future at the forefront.

In the broader context, the debate reflected ongoing national debates over identity, security, and prosperity. Harris positioned herself as a forward-looking unifier, drawing on her historic role as the first woman of color to serve as vice president. Trump, leveraging his outsider image, appealed to those disillusioned with the establishment. As the dust settles, both sides are analyzing moments like Harris's pointed question to Trump—"Why won't you say you accept the election results?"—which he dodged, reinforcing narratives of democratic peril.

With early voting set to begin soon in several states, the debate's ripples could influence voter turnout and undecideds. Political commentators anticipate intensified campaigning, including rallies, ads, and surrogate appearances, as the race enters its final stretch. Whether this encounter sways the electorate or merely entrenches existing views, it stands as a defining chapter in one of the most consequential elections in modern US history. (Word count: 928)

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